This cache is not at the posted coordinates! You must solve the puzzle below to find the actual coordinates.
Growing up, I always liked solving Sudoku puzzles because I'm a logic-based thinker, and Sudoku puzzles are all logic no flack. I had wanted to create a Sudoku-themed puzzle for some time, but I heard there were solvers online for traditional puzzles, which meant cachers could easily cheat the puzzle without learning how to actually solve a Sudoku properly. However, asterisk Sudoku, a variant of traditional Sudoku, is only slightly harder to solve by hand but cannot be cheated as easily as traditional Sudokus.
The Puzzle:
Rules:
Fill in each row, column, and 3x3 grid with the numbers 1-9
Fill in the 9 highlighted cells with the numbers 1-9 (seen in dark gray)
For those unfamiliar with solving Sudoku puzzles, it can be helpful to start by trying to fill in rows, columns, or grids that already have a lot of numbers. For instance, the missing 4 in the lower left grid must go in I1 because there is already a 4 in row G and column 3. Another method is to try and fill in every instance of a common number within the puzzle, say all the 1's. It can also be helpful to narrow down a number or pair of numbers to a pair of cells (which need not be adjacent) within a row, column, or grid. Also, don't focus too much on the highlighted cells, as this puzzle can more or less be solved like a traditional Sudoku puzzle. I also have some good hints I can offer if you get real stuck.
Once you have solved the Sudoku, use the information below to determine the final coordinates.
FINAL COORDINATES: N 45 47.ABC W 108 3D.EFG
A = E2
B = E5 - G5
C = H3
D = B4
E = A6 - G2
F = A7 + E3
G = B2
The Cache:
The cache container is located in a Billings City Park, so please observe park hours, use stealth when searching, and BYOP.
If you need help with the puzzle or final, just message me for a hint. As always, any logs or photos on this cache that include the final coordinates or information about exactly what the container is or exactly where it is located will be deleted, so be sure not to post spoilers.
Congrats to lakeman&tagalong for the FTF!